Dear Colleagues:
To provide a stronger foundation for a more comprehensive and synergistic approach to enrollment management, marketing and communication, effective today, September 3, the areas of Public Relations and Publications will fall under the leadership of Dr. Tyana Lange, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing. At this time, all Public Relations requests should be directed to pr@truman.edu due to the recent retirement of Heidi Templeton.
Sincerely,
President’s Office
Dear Colleagues:
The Truman State University Board of Governors met this past weekend under the leadership of Vice Chair Jennifer Kopp Dameron.
As follow-up to their discussion in June, the Board reviewed proposed fundamental metrics related to the University’s next strategic plan. The next step in the process is to involve the University community, and additional details will be shared soon after the fall semester begins. Jerry Wollmering, Director of Athletics, provided the annual athletics report. Within their committee meetings, the Board received updates on various summer initiatives within academic and student affairs, construction projects, financials reports, investments, and enrollment management. The Board also discussed their honorary degrees policy deciding to table a recent nomination until a review of their policy is complete.
In terms of action items, the Board approved five items within the area of budget and capital projects:
Revised Operating Budgets for Fiscal Year 2020
The original budget was revised based on the funding bill signed by Missouri Governor Mike Parson on June 10. The bill provided $1,000,000 in additional state support. After the 3 percent withholding from additional state funds, a total of $970,000 is available for the Education and General Budget and $271,191 was added for the MoExcels program in the Restricted Funds Budget. If the appropriation continues to remain in place and based upon the enrollment census for the Fall 2019 Semester, salary recommendations will be readdressed with the Board in October and/or December. No change was made for the Fiscal Year 2020 Auxiliary Budget.
Local Capital Budgets for Fiscal Year 2020
These budgets are reviewed and approved annually to provide funding for major building and renovation projects on campus. This year’s budget has a major focus on utility and infrastructure improvements for both academic and auxiliary buildings including masonry and roofing repairs, storm drainage improvements, HVAC system replacements, future dining and kitchen projects, and projects within the housing system. All proposed project expenditures will come before the Board following the usual procedures and will be subject to individual Board approval.
State Appropriation Request for Fiscal Year 2020
This request, submitted each year to the Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE), is for funding to support the Education and General Budget. As in previous years, Truman’s Fiscal Year 2020 request includes a core appropriation increase and increased funding based upon the Performance Funding model.
Greenwood Site Development Project Engineering Services
Services are required for design and preparation of bid documents to move this phase of the project forward. Included in this phase are structural, site development and mechanical/electrical/plumbing components, with the final project scope adjusted to match the funds for this project.
Student Government Fair Grounds Naming Proposal
During the 2019 Spring Semester, Student Government submitted a naming proposal requesting that the former Fair Apartments lot be renamed Fair Grounds. The approved proposal noted that the word “Fair” will maintain the legacy and memory of Dr. Eugene Fair, the Sixth President of the University and after whom Fair Apartments was originally named. The word “Grounds” will assist with the goal of expanding upon the purpose of the green space allowing students to use the space as an outdoor recreational area to convene, relax and play.
A copy of the complete agenda from the August 3 meeting can be found on the Board of Governors website located at http://www.truman.edu/about/our-people/board-of-governors/board-of-governors-agendas/. The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for Friday, October 18, in conjunction with Truman Homecoming activities.
The August Board meeting signals that summer is nearly over and the new academic year is about to begin. It is always exciting to welcome our new students, faculty, and staff to campus and to reconnect with returning students and members of the University community. I look forward to a remarkable year and seeing you at the Fall Opening Assembly scheduled for Wednesday, August 14, at 2:30 p.m. in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall and the Ready-or-Not Faculty and Staff Appreciation Luncheon scheduled for Friday, August 16, at 12:00 noon in the Georgian Rooms of the Student Union Building.
Enjoy your last few days of summer, and thank you for all you do for Truman!
Best regards,
Sue
Dear Colleagues:
The Truman State University Board of Governors met this past Saturday for their annual June retreat and meeting under the leadership of Board Chair Laura A. Crandall. Due to the Student Union Building being off line during the month of June, the Board held their retreat and meeting in Baldwin Hall and dined in Missouri Hall.
In a very full and productive day, the Board welcomed new Board member, Nancy Gingrich, and acknowledged the reappointment of Governor Sarah Burkemper. Governor Gingrich is a Truman alumna and her bio can be found on the Board of Governors website located at https://www.truman.edu/about/our-people/board-of-governors/. The Board also passed a resolution recognizing Governor Mike LaBeth, the out-going member of the Board, who served from January 2013 through June 2019.
During the retreat on Saturday morning, the Board began a discussion related to the University’s next strategic plan as the current plan ends in FY2020. Additional details on this process will be shared with campus in the Fall 2019 Semester.
At their regular Board meeting, the members approved Operating Budgets and Salary Policies for Fiscal Year 2020 (July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020). The approved budget was developed using level funding recommended by the Governor in the Executive Budget and, at this time, salary policies were recommended to remain at the current level for FY2020. Since the budget was developed, Governor Parson signed the appropriation bill providing an increase for next year; however, enrollment for the 2019-20 Academic Year has not been finalized. If the appropriation continues to remain in place and if enrollment for the Fall 2019 semester remains relatively stable, a revised FY2020 budget will be submitted to the Board in August and salary recommendations will be readdressed with the Board in October and/or December. Therefore, contracts and salary letters distributed at the end of June will reflect wages from FY2019. Please be sure to read the letter enclosed with the contracts and salary letters for more information.
In addition, the Board approved enrollment fees for the 2019-20 Academic Year. The Higher Education Student Funding Act (HESFA) allows a statutory maximum increase for 2019-20 of 6.9% for Missouri resident undergraduate students based on the most recent calendar year Consumer Price Index (CPI) as well as recent levels of state support. However, it was recommended and the Board approved a 5% tuition increase rather than 6.9% with the difference waived. Because non-resident and graduate tuition rates have been increased at or below CPI for recent years, it was recommended and the Board approved that all categories of tuition be increased at the same rate.
The Board members received reports from their three committees (Academic and Student Affairs, Finance and Auditing, and Budget and Capital Projects), and approved action items are noted below:
Finance and Auditing
*PFM Asset Management, LLC was selected to continue to provide investment management services to the University. PFM is a recognized leader in fixed income portfolio management for various municipalities and public universities, and their conservative and consistent approach during recent periods of volatility have proved financially advantageous to the University.
*Based upon the recommendation of the Truman State University Foundation Board, the administrative fee for endowed funds to the Foundation was increased from 1% to 1.5%.
*In addition, an administrative fee of 5% was implemented on all non-endowed gifts to the Foundation. Both fees will help generate the assets needed to meet the increasing demands for private support to the Foundation and to support the rising costs related to private fund raising. They will also allow for the necessary expansion of fundraising initiatives and development efforts and permit the Foundation to move additional funds to the University.
Budget and Capital Projects
*The Information Technology Networking Equipment Update for Violette and Magruder Halls Project was approved. This project, funded by a $400,000 National Science Foundation grant, will upgrade the campus network to support a ten-fold increase in data access rates for faculty in Chemistry, Physics, Statistics, Computer Science, and other STEM-related disciplines located in the buildings receiving the upgrades.
*The Presidential Reading Room in Pickler Memorial Library was renamed The Clayton B. and Odessa Ofstad Presidential Reading Room in recognition of a gift of $100,000.
*The FY2021 to FY2025 State Capital Improvement and Maintenance Request was approved which requests funds for the top priorities including Pershing Phase 2 renovation, the Greenwood Autism Center, a significant renovation of Kirk Building, and an Emergency Electrical Backup System. Although it is not likely that these requests will be approved, the capital requests must be submitted each year to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education and the Division of Design and Construction, Office of Administration.
Finally, I provided my regular President’s Report and, at the meeting and within their committee meetings, the Board members were provided with an audit preview and updates on enrollment management, summer orientation, searches for the Deans of the Schools of Arts and Letters and Business, financial reports, and on-campus construction projects.
During the closed session of the meeting, the Board approved recommendations for promotion and tenure effective at the beginning of the 2019-20 Academic Year. I congratulate these dedicated faculty members and thank them for all they do for our students and our University.
Promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor:
Yung-hwal Park, Business Administration
John Jones, Education
Amy Teten, Communication Disorders
Promoted from Associate Professor to Professor:
Matthew Derezinski, Art
Brian Kubin, Music
Katherine Jackson, Business Administration
Lin Zhang, Business Administration
Paul Yoder, Education
Chad Montgomery, Biology
Don Krause, Communication
Granted Academic Tenure:
Yung-hwal Park, Business Administration
John Jones, Education
Amy Teten, Communication Disorders
A copy of the complete open session agenda can be found on the Board of Governors website under Agendas. The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for Saturday, August 3.
I hope you are having a wonderful summer!
Best regards,
Sue
Dear Truman Community:
I am delighted to announce that Dr. Tyana Lange has accepted my invitation to serve as Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing beginning July 29, 2019. Tyana brings a wealth of experience and an educational background in leadership to this crucial position. She currently serves as Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at Lock Haven University and previously served in enrollment management and marketing positions at Indiana University Kokomo and Kettering University.
After learning of her selection, Tyana shared, “I am very excited to join the Truman State University team. Everyone I have met is obviously dedicated to providing excellent opportunities for students. The students that I met during my interview and tour were amazing. I have a deep appreciation for the mission and vision of Truman. It will be a true privilege to be part of the team supporting such an impressive record of student success and achievement.”
I am enormously appreciative of the thoughtful and engaged work of the VPEMM Search Committee: Janna Stoskopf (Committee Chair), Marla Fernandez, Dawn Howd, Stacey Kaden, Tim Urbonya, Jonathan Vieker, Teresa Wheeler, and Jerry Wollmering. This committee served our University well through its diligence and professionalism.
Please join me in welcoming Tyana to our Bulldog family and wishing her the very best in her new role!
Best regards,
Sue
| Top of the News |
| Intentional Experiences and Institutional Distinctiveness
Curriculum Reform – The Faculty Senate approved the Self and Society Seminar and the seminars will be offered for the first time in Fall 2019. The Faculty Senate created a standing Symposium Committee and passed a resolution to phase in the Dialogues. The Symposium, Perspectives, and the High Impact Experience Requirement will be implemented in Fall 2020. Extended Reach Online Strategies – The revised Data Science competency-based certification program launched in December 2018, with students currently enrolled across three courses. Organizational Excellence Strengthen the University’s Financial Base by Investing in Initiatives that Ensure Long-Term Relevance Enhancing Enrollment – SEM Works, Truman’s enrollment management consulting firm, delivered their final report and a phased implementation of selected strategies has begun. See a high-level summary of the report here: SEM Executive Summary final Promote the Well-Being of the Truman Community Inclusive Excellence – The Inclusive Excellence Strategic Plan Implementation Committee submitted a prioritized list of initiatives. The report has been shared with relevant groups and areas to begin working on the priorities according to their priority, feasibility, and impact. The Inclusive Excellence Advisory Committee (to be established in Summer 2019) will monitor progress and modify the Inclusive Excellence Strategic Plan as appropriate. Promoting a Healthy Campus – An agreement with the Northeast Missouri Health Council provides a licensed Psychologist (part-time) on campus. The Top of the News is just the tip of the iceberg! Click on the Strategic Plan Updates links to get the rest of the important update news. |
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Dear Colleagues:
The Truman State University Board of Governors held their annual April meeting on Saturday in conjunction with meetings of the Foundation and Alumni Boards and the annual Foundation Banquet. It was wonderful to have such a dedicated and enthusiastic gathering of alumni and friends on campus who give back so generously to Truman with their time and talent. At the Foundation Banquet, we honored several individuals whose generosity has put them into one of our prestigious recognition societies. In addition, the Distinguished Corporation/Foundation Award was presented to A. T. Still University and the President’s Leadership Award was presented to Larry and Sharron Quisenberry.
During the Board of Governors meeting, led by Chair Laura A. Crandall, the Board heard several reports. Scott Alberts, Faculty Senate President and Professor of Mathematics, provided the annual Faculty Senate Report sharing highlights of the new Dialogues curriculum. I provided the President’s Report noting various campus and community activities which had taken place since the last Board meeting. And finally, within their committee meetings, the Board reviewed financial reports, approved engagement letters for the annual financial audit, and received updates on enrollment management, the course repeat process, the Student Research Conference, HLC Progress/Update, and the Bookstore remodeling project.
Two action items within the area of finance and auditing were approved. The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the Truman State University Board of Governors and the Truman State University Foundation Board of Directors. The Foundation is an incorporated 501(c)(3) organization affiliated with and supporting the University, and the approved memorandum formalizes the previous and future operations between the two entities. In addition, the Board of Governors amended their Conflict of Interest policy by amending the category of “Relatives” to include a wider range of persons related by blood or marriage.
Finally, within the area of budget and capital projects, the Board authorized the approval of the Chiller Replacement Project for Violette Hall and Student Union Building. Bid openings for the project will take place on April 16. Once finalized, the project will begin in mid-May with construction complete within 10 weeks. The Board also approved the purchase of an upgraded projection system for the Del and Norma Robinson Planetarium and Multimedia Theatre ensuring that the Planetarium is able to continue to serve the campus and surrounding community. The current star projection system powering the facility since Fall 2014 is out of date.
A complete copy of the open session agenda can be found on the Board of Governors website located at http://www.truman.edu/about/our-people/board-of-governors/board-of-governors-agendas/. The next regular meeting of the Board of Governors is scheduled for Saturday, June 15.
While writing, I also wanted to extend my sincere appreciation for your hard work and dedication to our students and our campus. I wish each of you a wonderful end to the spring semester.
Best regards,
Sue
The recording of the All-University Meeting hosted by President Sue Thomas and held on February 14 has been posted at http://wp-internal.truman.edu/presoffice/.
Dear Colleagues:
The Truman State University Board of Governors held their first meeting of the 2019 calendar year this past Saturday under the leadership of newly elected Chair Laura A. Crandall. While meeting, Governor Crandall and the members of the Board took the opportunity to officially express their appreciation to Cheryl J. Cozette for her exemplary service as the 2018 Chair.
The Board heard several reports. Keaton Leppanen and Deanna Schmidt, President and Vice President of Student Government, provided the annual Student Government Report sharing the many impactful activities and initiatives planned throughout the academic year. Dr. Ernie Hughes, Vice President for University Advancement, provided an update on advancement and Foundation Board activities, and representatives of GibbonsWorkman, LLC, provided a report on the 2019 Missouri Legislative session. Within their meeting, committee meetings and working session, the Board also reviewed financial reports and received updates on enrollment management, on-campus construction projects, the University Strategic Plan, and several areas within Student Affairs including the JED Strategic Plan and Residence Life. In the President’s Report, I highlighted campus and community activities which have taken place since the Board’s last meeting. In addition, I discussed my upcoming annual All-University Address scheduled for Thursday, February 14, at 3 p.m. in the Georgian Room entitled “Truman’s Truths.” As previously noted, a webcast of my remarks will be made available to campus shortly thereafter.
In terms of action items, the Board approved the Academic Calendar for August Interim 2020 through Summer Session 2022 and two new academic programs, subject to the approval of the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education: Modern Language, B. A., and Philosophy and Religion, B. S.
The Board approved the Sesquicentennial Plaza Fountain Project, a project which involves replacing the fountain and completing the final phase of replacing bricks in front of the Student Union and the patio area south of the building entrance. The plaza will contain personalized bricks and pavers purchased by donors and improved sidewalks and lighting to create an area suitable for a small stage. In recognition of a gift of $1,000,000, the plaza will be named the Sandra K. Giachino Reavey Sesquicentennal Plaza and the remaining funds for the project will come from Foundation brick campaign funds and the Local Capital Budget.
In addition, three additional construction projects and one equipment purchase were approved. The Violette Hall Roof Replacement and Recreation Center Repairs Project will replace the aging roof of Violette Hall and diagnose and repair the alarm system and HVAC control system of the Recreation Center. The Natatorium Pool Liner Replacement Project, funded by the Student Athletic Fee and Plant Fund, will replace the liner in the natatorium pool. The Greenwood Window Replacement Project, funded from the line item state capital appropriation, will replace approximately 75% of the windows in the Greenwood Building. And, finally, the Board approved the purchase of two dual compression chillers. The units to be replaced are 22 years old and help serve the chilled water loop which provides air conditioning to buildings on the central portion of campus.
A copy of the open session agenda can be found on the Board of Governors website located at http://www.truman.edu/about/our-people/board-of-governors/board-of-governors-agendas/. The next regular meeting of the Board of Governors is scheduled for Saturday, April 13.
We are very fortunate to have such an outstanding group of Board members and, on behalf of the entire University, I thank them for the dedicated service and commitment to Truman and our students, faculty and staff.
Best regards,
Sue
President Sue Thomas will hold an All-University Meeting on Thursday, February 14, at 3 p.m. in the Georgian Rooms of the Student Union. The annual State of the University address is entitled “Truman’s Truths.” A webcast of the remarks will be made available to campus shortly thereafter.
Dear Campus Community:
With the retirement of Regina Morin, Vice President for Enrollment Management, near the end of this fiscal year and based upon a recommendation from SEM Works (our enrollment management consultant), we have launched a search for a Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing. I am pleased to share that the following eight members of the Truman community have graciously agreed to serve on the Search Advisory Committee:
Marla Fernandez, Financial Aid
Dawn Howd, Admission
Stacey Kaden, Accounting
Janna Stoskopf, Student Affairs
Tim Urbonya, International Education
Jonathan Vieker, Center for Academic Excellence
Teresa Wheeler, Publications
Jerry Wollmering, Athletics
Janna Stoskopf will serve as committee chair. Qualifications of the position and application requirements can be found at https://secure.truman.edu/positionlisting-s/admin.asp. The committee will be assisted in the recruitment phase of the process by RPA Inc. Review of applications will begin March 12 with the goal to have the new Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing in place by July 1, 2019.
As you may also be aware, Melody Chambers, Director of Admission, will be retiring at the end of February. Gina will be working directly with Admissions following Melody’s retirement. While details have not been finalized, a search will be launched later this month with interviews to occur after the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing has been named.
As enrollment is one of our top priorities, I encourage you to be actively involved in the campus interview process. I also encourage you to share your appreciation with Gina and Melody for the tremendous work they have done throughout their time at Truman and join me in wishing them all the best in their future endeavors.
Best regards,
Sue